Welcome to Cottage in the Court

#ediblegardening

Culture and Diversity -Between Harlem and Heaven

By Leave a Comment

Culture is all up in the foods we have grown to love. This book tells a story that will have you growing fresh vegetables just to try the recipes!

Culture is celebrated as we experience new foods, as well as ways to cook. Figuring out what to try in our gardens can be defined by the foods we are familiar with or something new we want to try. The Afro-Asian American style of cooking is shared between the pages of a wonderful book.

Between Harlem and Heaven – Afro Asian American Cooking for Big Nights, Weekends, and Every Day by J.J. Johnson and Alexander Smalls with Veronica Chambers. Not really a cookbook, but a story of a collaboration of two men who enjoy ethnic cuisine. Two restaurants in Harlem celebrate this story, Minton’s and The Cecil.

BIRTH OF A BOOK

Alexander Smalls is a one-man novel. A former acclaimed opera superstar, as well as an accomplished Chef, can add Food Genius to his repertoire. My head simply spins as he shares tales of his youth in South Carolina and New York. Balancing time with his West African grandfather in the garden, as well as time with family in New York, has created quite a successful man.

Mr. Smalls is on a mission to document the diversity found in the kitchen. In Africa, China, Brazil, the Caribbean, Europe as well as America, culture, and food play a role in our lives today. Finding the right Chef to collaborate on this story and write this book was important. Joining forces with Chef J.J.Johnson, these men wowed Harlem with not one, but two award-winning restaurants.

The jazz-themed restaurant, Minton’s is a Harlem landmark. This former hotel turned bar is where bebop was born. Many African American musicians entertained the crowds and were regular patrons as well. Minton’s Playhouse offers a real jazz experience on stage, which enhances the menu items offered. The Cecil features a more diverse menu based on the Afro-Asian-American style of cooking.

J.J. Johnson grew up in the kitchen where his Puerto Rican Grandmother unknowingly directed his path towards the culinary arts. The sights, taste, and scents he experienced on a trip to Ghana brought back many memories. On this journey with Alexander Smalls, J.J. connected with the culture and history of his lineage. J.J. describes this cookbook as a “choose your own adventure” book. These two Chefs suggest the readers try the sauces on different things. Use the recipes by adding a little here as you change things along the way – in essence, cook your own way.

SALADS

The first chapter has some delectable takes on refreshing salads using many items that can be grown at home. From the Daikon Radish Salad to the Harlem Market salad, my tastebuds danced at the thought of the taste. I dreamt of what I could grow in my garden to authenticate the taste experience. J.J. recommended trying the Mother Africa Sauce on just about anything. Let me tell you, it was quite delicious over steamed squash with brown rice.

MEAT AND POULTRY

Culture meets the soul when cooking Afro-Asian-American Gumbo. No matter what culture you embrace, this dish awakens the readers tastebuds on an International level. Imagine using homegrown oregano, thyme, bay laurel, or garlic to make the Gumbo Spice mix.

SO MUCH MORE…

From Hibiscus syrup to the history lesson tracing the journey which introduced Chinese food to Harlem, this book makes you hungry for more. Not just a cookbook, the importance of culture, and how it affects our foodways is important. Afro-Asian American food has a tendency to create conversation, as well as the discovery of the things from our culinary familiar.

There are more chapters with tasty recipes to try. As I embrace my culture, Between Harlem and Heaven will provide ideas to make this a journey to remember.

As the season for gardening is within reach, I highly recommend this book. Try to grow an ingredient from a recipe, harvest it when the time is right, and use it to enhance the recipes in this book.

Planting seeds for the Apple Cider Glazed Brussel Sprouts (page 208)…yummy!

Teri, (gardening with a passion) Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Heart Health Month – Grow Red On Purpose

By Leave a Comment

Heart Health Month should be celebrated all year long. February has been declared the designated month to focus on heart health.

February is American Heart Month. President Lyndon B. Johnson made this a designated month of recognizing hearth health via Proclamation 3566. On the first Friday of this month of love, we celebrate Women’s Heart Health with a GoRed Campaign. Heart disease should be the focus for each of us as we eat, sleep and play…. every day.

What does GORED mean? If you break it down by the letters, this is what it means:

G = GET YOUR NUMBERS. Knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are important. You can easily ask your doctor. Monitoring your blood pressure daily or as often as possible is easy. Check your drugstore or online resources for affordable approved AHA devices.

O = OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE. Some ways to take control of your healthy lifestyle are to quit smoking. Stress is not our friend. Alleviate stress by moving more. Take a walk, exercise, jog if you can. Moving is one of the most important acts of self-love. Healthy eating habits are key to optimum heart health. Go easy on the salt and sugar. Eat more foods in their natural state or incorporate good things into your daily diet. Ask your doctor or dietician how you can incorporate healthy food choices for optimum heart health.

R = REALIZE YOUR RISK. Did you know that heart disease still kills 1 in 3 women?? Ladies, if we cannot practice healthy living for us, how can we show our families that we love them? Think about how much we do for our families and our communities. Don’t you think we can show just as much attention or more on ourselves?

E = EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY. Consider educating by example. This is the easiest way to practice healthy lifestyles. Creating family outings to encourage movement. Hiking, biking, nature walks, or gardening are popular ideas.

D = DON’T BE SILENT. The best gift you can give this month and every month is to share the truth about heart disease. As the #1 killer, heart disease needs to be taken seriously by everyone. This disease affects all of us and is not gender specific.

EAT RED FOR HEALTH

Did you know that red vegetables have Lycopene and anthocyanin? Lycopene is an antioxidant. Research has shown that this naturally occurring ingredient is effective in reducing heart disease. Lycopene fights infections and aids in keeping our eyes healthy. Anthocyanin is showing promise in reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and eye health.

GROW RED

A few red vegetables to incorporate into your diet are beets, red cabbage, red bell peppers, red chili peppers, and red leaf lettuce. All of these vegetables can be grown in many zones or in a greenhouse. Everyone can’t eat tomatoes. Having other choices are key. Let’s not forget rhubarb, red onions, and red potatoes. If you are a gardener, try something new like radicchio. Red radicchio in a pot with some white pansies. What a colorful edible spring display!

Sow seeds of red for the summer garden as well. Ruby Red Orach, Red Malabar Spinach, or Red Leaf Amaranth, also known as Red Callaloo are great choices for warm-season gardens. These vegetables love heat and humidity found in the summer months. Try sowing them to keep the red growing for the summer garden.

Attention to heart health should be more than a month. It should become an act of self-love. GORED is a lifestyle!

Why not commit to making heart health a priority all year long. Practicing self-care is important. It is the best way to show love to those you care about.

Sowing seeds for a healthier lifestyle,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Avocado – Jewel of Goodness

By Leave a Comment

Avocado, a delicious capsule of goodness I have come to embrace.

The avocado was a foreign object to me. I grew up eating good ole southern fare. This green capsule, now called one of the superfoods, has officially taken my tastebuds hostage.

I am no stranger to trying new and different things – if they are visually appealing. I remember it being a popular item served during football games when I lived in Virginia. With a bowl of chips, my family made the green goop (I called it) disappear. At the time, I could not understand why.

Avocado Selection

The perfectly chosen avocado should not feel mushy or have soft spots. If it feels heavy for its size, you have selected correctly. Want to hasten the ripening of an avocado? Simply place them in a brown bag on the counter. Keep an eye out so they do not over ripen. One can also place them in a bag with other fruits like banana’s to encourage ripening – but check daily! In a day or so, you should have a perfectly usable fruit.

Storage Tips

Rule number one – do not immediately refrigerate avocados. This fruit should be kept at 68 degrees. Producing ethylene, like a banana, refrigeration will not encourage ripening but could ruin a perfectly ripe fruit.

If your avocado is not quite ripe, just leave it on the counter for a few days. I like to use an antique bowl for a pop of color. After all, it is all about the pretty in my world.

Avocado’s held by a bowl that says sunshine…it is all about the pretty in my world.

If you want to keep a ripe avocado for a few days until you use it, only then refrigeration is okay. Keep in mind, this will slow down the over-ripening, but not stop the ripening process. Refrigerated too long, the fruit will turn to mush.

A sliced avocado should be spritzed with lemon juice to preserve the color and wrap or place in an airtight container. Even when the avocado turns brown, it is edible – just aesthetically unpleasing.

Fruit With Benefits

According to Medical News Today, the avocado is essential to the whole well being of the body at any age. The benefits of consuming this green jewel include heart health, detoxifier, strong fighter of chronic diseases, and improves digestion to name a few. A terrific resource for vitamins C. E, K, and B-6, the avocado also has healthy fats that enhance our skin.

Planting avocado pits can provide unique gifts for your fellow plant lovers.

Plant Those Pits

Starting an avocado tree from one of the pits is an easy project. Knowing that it will take years to bear fruit, it can make beautiful houseplant. As with any plant, the conditions must be right for this plant to thrive.

To start, fill a nice size jar with water. Make certain the pit is clean and dry. The widest end of the pit should face the water. Poke at least three toothpicks into the side of the pit, allowing no more than one inch immersed in the water. Find a warm and bright spot to place your avocado pit so you can see the progress as it sets roots and sprouts. nIt will take six to eight weeks to see growth. Try several in case the pit doesn’t sprout. They make unique gifts for your favorite plant’s person.

Once your pet becomes a seedling and reaches a height of six to eight inches, cut it in half. It will send out heavier roots with a flush of growth with luscious leaves. Find the perfect pot, at least ten inches in diameter, add good quality soil, transplant and let the magic begin. Don’t plant the seedling too deep. Half of the pit should be above the surface of the soil. As your new plant thrives, pinch it back occasionally to avoid legginess. Depending on your climate, you could plant your tree outside or place it in a container that is portable. Remember – it is a tropical tree.

If you are looking for a cold-hardy avocado tree, they can be found on-line. One nursery, Brighter Blooms offers a cultivar that is cold hardy in zone 7 gardens. I am not certain if it would taste the same. Under the right conditions, it might be worth a try, with space or a hothouse.

Creating Good Green Goop

Last Fall I went to the Audi Field in Washington, DC for a food festival. One of the vendors had avocado toast. I tasted it and am now a changed woman. As the crunch of the whole grain bread slathered with the seasoned avocado spread danced in my mouth, I fell in love. The green goop that I did not understand, lingered on my tastebuds.

I did my research, acquired the essentials – avocado, garlic, tomato, lemon juice, a touch of olive oil, and Penzey’s Justice…and made my own green goop. Creating different palette-pleasing combinations of avocado spread is now my passion. I even found a recipe that used sweet potato slices in lieu of bread. That could be interesting.

Have you considered growing your own avocado tree? Perhaps it would be nice to grow one as a tropical plant for the summer. At some point I would tire of dragging it indoors in the winter. I think I will stick to reputable markets or grocery stores.

Avocado dreaming,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

The Beauty of The Lemon – Hydration For The Temple

By Leave a Comment

Did you know that lemons and lemon water bring added value to our bodies? Our Temples (bodies) need hydration. The art of infusing a slice of lemon is practiced by many who want a twist to their basic glass of water. I personally use a few slices of lime or even, while not citrus, mints of all types are tasty and refreshing, too.  There are even beneficial qualities in the mint family as well.  Lemons usually have  less than 1 gram of sugar, trace minerals like folate, potassium and things that may enhance the bodies metabolism.

Think about it – this gorgeous yellow orb can turn a basic glass of water into a refreshing cocktail. A drink that can help with digestion, enhance our feelings of well-being, helps athletic performance and I personally don’t go into the garden without it!

Lemons are a beautiful thing on a gray day or any day. Did you know how energizing  this wonderful yellow fruit can be while in the garden? I think I even convinced myself to try growing a Meyer Lemon Tree…even if it is just for the fragrant bloom…..and perhaps a lemon or two!

Some of my favorite twisted water combinations would include lemon slices with ginger shavings, slices with strawberries, raspberries, pineapple chunks or fresh blueberries. Another refreshing option is lemon balm or mint, slightly bruised and left to steep overnight in a pitcher. The options are endless and the hydration so uniquely refreshing.

Tis the season to keep our Temple hydrated. Think about naturally flavoring you water, whether you are gardening or just enjoying the beauty of summer. The beauty of the lemon, never gets old to me!

From the Cottage,

TeriFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Pausing for Tea….

By 1 Comment

Sometimes a day comes that requires you to pause and just have a cup of tea. Why tea??? The relaxing qualities, aroma, health benefits and warmth as it is sipped with a certain grace, gliding down the throat…oh what a great feeling from within!! The warmth radiates throughout the body and all is right with the intimate world around you. My what a journey…at least in my mind.

Last Saturday I needed to escape fro it all, pause for a bit and decided to enjoy a cup of tea or two. I wasn’t really hungry, so no nibbles were required. I simply wanted to enjoy a hot cup of tea that perhaps had some positive benefits for my body and perhaps an uplifting fragrance for my spirit. I put the kettle on, grabbed a few new magazines and chose a long unused teapot and matching cup. I chose The Republic of Tea “Hibiscus Superflower Tea, a blend of Coconut bits, Nigerian Hibiscus flower, Rose Hips, and Stevia – as its proprietary blend. I gently steeped it for 5 minutes and eased into the moment….which turned into an entire day of oohing and ahhing over gardens in England and sipping a wonderful cup of tea.

Although I did not grow the tea for this day, it made me think of what herbs can be grown in the garden for tea. As we approach this year’s gardening season consider growing some herbs for a good cup of tea with benefits. A few of my flowering favorites are chamomile, bergamot, and borage. Borage has such a lovely blue flower and is considered to be an uplifting herb. A gorgeous star flower that adds sheer joy to a salad or in a cup of iced tea or lemonade. I like to see the blossom’s floating in a sea of pale yellow with a leaf of mint….just beautiful!!! A beneficial of having Borage in the garden other than for tea….it is a terrific bee attractant. It is like a bee alarm that goes off in the garden!!

There is also Bergamot. A wonderful bloom that resembles fireworks, however, it can be aggressive in the garden,  but easily maintained when tugged in time – keep an eye on this one!!! Using the leaves that emit a wonderfully sweet orange blossom fragrance, this herb is a native plant that has been used for many, many years. The oils found in the leaves offer a huge level of antioxidants. A calming tea best enjoyed ….whenever!!

Rose hips are another common item found in the garden. Those wonderful orange remnants of bloom found on the rose-bush offer flavonoids, lycopene, Vitamin C and VitaminA. Drinks can be made by crushing the rose hips and steeping them in hot water. All this beneficial goodness, found in the garden. Imagine that! Some other herbs to consider are most of the Mint family, Chamomile, Lemon Balm (delicious hot or cold) and Anise Hyssop.  Now before you go making all sorts of combinations as a cure-all, check with your doctor. Some herbs interact with medications or allergies.

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO INGESTING!!!

Steal a quiet Saturday for yourself, make time to pause to enjoy a cup or a pot of a delicious tea from the garden. You will be surprised at the joy that it will bring if you dry the leaves and store them to be enjoyed offseason.

Peace from the Cottage,

TeriFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather